With every story, there needs to be conflict. That is likely why many people want happy endings.

Some, however, don’t have satisfactory conclusions. Rather, they end with cliffhangers or deaths. These are usually movies that are part of a series. They are either later installments or are setting up for the next stories.

I, personally, prefer satisfactory endings, where the main characters achieve their goals. If they don’t, there should be a valid reason, such as how they realized that the goals weren’t right for them.

Disney usually has its films end happily. Often times, the heros win their love interests after defeating the villains. Of course, there are exceptions, such as some that were based off true stories.

It’s also important for movies, as well as other kinds of stories, to appeal to the audiences of the current times. Endings are no different.

There is one movie that came out in the 2010s that I thought had a sexist ending. I will call it Film X. In it, a girl gets in trouble with her father for refusing to dance with him. At the end, she apologizes for that and dances with him.

First of all, I don’t think it’s right for a parent to force their kids to dance with them. Secondly, an action like that feels kind of shocking for the 2010s. I think it would have been better if the girl’s dad allowed her to make her own choices and respected her decision not to dance with him if she didn’t want to.

And there’s another film that I will keep untitled that doesn’t have a happy ending. Even though I understand why, it was still unsatisfactory.

Audiences today are probably more spoiled than those in the past, especially with technology and social media. That is one reason it is essential for filmmakers and other storytellers to keep them engaged. And they should get the endings they longed for.

Think about it – the characters struggle a lot and bad things constantly happen. By the end, they have been through so much.

All in all, I believe that satisfying endings are crucial. Not only should they continue to be in films, but also other kinds of stories, like books and plays.

You likely agree with my thoughts on movie endings. Or you might prefer unhappy endings. Or you may be okay with both.

If you want to share your thoughts or anything you think I missed, let me know in the comments.